There is no Tivo love in this thread because at this price, it's still not a hot deal. Regardless of how you feel about the box, it's just not worth it especially with the crippled features that should've been there day 1. I agree with nynate, at $299 then we'll talk. And I bet it will be down there by end of next year, but right now you're paying the early adopter surcharge.

Windows Vista Home Premium or Ultimate Media Center is supposed to support a single cable card (no need for two) using newer technology - it's supposed to be available in January with no montly fee for the proram guide from microsoft -- I'll wait

CorporationX said:you can build a real good HD HTPC for this $ and there wont be any monthly subscription fees.
So? You still wouldn't be able to record any of the encrypted HD stations (TNT HD, ESPN HD, Showtime HD, etc). Right now, the only simple way to be able to record encrypted cable HD stations is either by (1) renting an HD DVD from the cable/satellite company, or (2) getting a Tivo Series 3.

rich123 said:Windows Vista Home Premium or Ultimate Media Center is supposed to support a single cable card (no need for two) using newer technology - it's supposed to be available in January with no montly fee for the proram guide from microsoft -- I'll wait

This is what I'm banking on. If the quality is right on, I will build a box just for DVR. Not that the capability hasn't existed for a while, but cable cards on a computer will be where it's at.

I'm going to start posting in hot deals forums about cheap PCs that it's not actually a hot deal because next year there will be a better model out for cheaper. Hot deals are about what's hot NOW in relation to an item. They are not about what's going to be hot next year. This thread is ridiculous.

If you were talking about a couple hundred dollars, I would agree with you, but this Tivo is a long term commitment for 3 or 5 or more years at $13 / mo. + the initial $700.00. You need to balance that cost vs. a possible sigificantly smaller outlay in a few months. Another factor: How long can a company (Tivo) that consistently loses money hang on? I don't see Microsoft going belly up any time soon.

Yikes: Tivo now $20.00 / month http://finance.google.com/finance?q=TIVO

derango1 said:rich123 said:Windows Vista Home Premium or Ultimate Media Center is supposed to support a single cable card (no need for two) using newer technology - it's supposed to be available in January with no montly fee for the proram guide from microsoft -- I'll wait

This is what I'm banking on. If the quality is right on, I will build a box just for DVR. Not that the capability hasn't existed for a while, but cable cards on a computer will be where it's at.A DirecTv receiver on a PCI card would be a nice accessory.

rebsnrob said:Here is a nice noob question: Will this work on my directv system? I have heard conflicting reports.

Thanks in advance.
No.
The Tivo Series 3 works with cable on via CableCards.

The original HR10-250 was the original HD Tivo brand DVR that works with DirecTV.
DirecTV is phasing these out since they don't do MPEG-4, so their long term value is limited.
The new HD DVR from DirecTV is not a Tivo brand DVR.

What I can't believe is how many suckers pay for content programming. Is cable/satellite really worth $70+ a month? For me, No thanks. I've already got too much programming recorded from regular broadcast television that I'll probably never get around to watching. Sure, there are a few pay channels I wish I had, but much of the content that I would want from them I can get from dvd later on (Sopranos, Entourage, etc.).

So, for most of you people, your "minimal" $10-$15 a month extra for a HD PVR from your cable/satellite company DOES sound great in relation to the Tivo pricing structure, UNTIL you factor in that little detail about how YOU ARE ALL PAYING A FREAKING $60-$70 A MONTH FOR THEIR UNDERLYING SERVICE BEFORE YOU EVEN GET TO THAT LITTLE $10 TO $15 ADDITION!

From my perspective and MANY people like me, we'll pay for the $650-ish Tivo 3 (and for those like me who can transfer their lifetime service over) + another $200. This $850 amount is the equivalent of skipping a single year of cable/satellite service. As a result, I will have a fully paid for Tivo 3, with no monthly fees, and (what most people are saying is) a fantastic quality OTA HD dual tuner. If I ever decide to ever pick up cable/satellite again, fine, I'll already have a very nice DVR, better than what most people are forced to live with from their cable/satellite provider.

I'm not here to suggest that my scenario will work for everyone. Far from it. BUT, there are many many many people in my same boat who are approaching a Tivo 3 purchase from this same perspective. We want high-quality dual tuner OTA HD capability, with the ease of Tivo recording. We'll take a higher upfront cost, and go on to save BIG TIME in year 2, 3, 4, etc., while the rest of you are paying $800-$1000 a year on your cable/satellite service provided DVRs/programming combo. Not an apples to apples comparison you say? Fair enough. However, I would rather pay for the cost of my oranges than the cost of your apples.

Like I said, my perspective won't be shared by all, or even a simply majority. But many in this thread were questioning why anyone would bother to pay so much for a Tivo3. In my post above, my main intent was to demonstrate one such market for the Tivo3.

And for whatever it's worth, I typically only watch Monday night games when my team is playing, and when they are on Monday Night, our local ABC affiliate picks up the game for free, and it will then be broadcast via superior OTA HD.

webmonkey said:Does Tivo works with Directv?

DirecTiVo